"To the Duchy, under the witness of Mother Aminsica and her children, I declare to you, Samuel Ross, your undoubted Protector and Ruler!"
In the year 624 A.M, the Duke of Tidewater, Duke Oswald of House Ross, has passed away. His son, the 17 year old Samuel Ross is being declared Duke of Tidewater.
Samuel Ross, with a growing stubble beard and brown hair, was dressed in Ducal Attire befitting of the event. He walked in a clear, synchronized, pattern, exhibiting Perfection as one should.
Under the watch of the Priests, he knelt under the statue of Aminsica, her figure shining as the sun shines behind her, a sight of awe and reverence as the Duke knelt.
"Do you, Samuel of House Ross, son of Oswald of House Ross, pledge and swear in the Name of Aminsica to rule over the Realm true to Law, justice, and instill mercy in your Judgements?" The elderly Priest, donned in white attire, spoke.
"I, Samuel of House Ross, son of Oswald of House Ross, pledge and swear in the name of aminsica to rule over the Realm true to law, justice, and instill mercy in my Judgements." Samuel spoke, his eyes filled with conviction.
He wasn't Samuel Ross. At least, his soul wasn't. He existed under a different name in another world, Earth, where he was and worked as a Civil Servant, who's Hobby was learning many 'Useless' skills that did not matter much in the modern world.
Until a week ago, he woke up in a new world, sleeping in a room that screamed Wealth.
He found himself the Heir of a Duchy, in a unfamiliar world, with memories of who was in the body before him, and judging by the state of his body when he awoke, it appears he was sickly. With Healers Describing his sudden energized self was proclaimed a 'Miracle of Aminsica' when told he would be dead.
His Father however, was on his deathbed, Oswald the 'Compassionate' they call him. Despite Samuel spending little to no time with him after Transmigrating, he recall the memories of his past self, his father spending whatever time he could to even sit if for a moment with him.
"Do you Samuel of House Ross, son of Oswald of House Ross, swear to uphold to the utmost of your power to maintain the Holy Laws of Mother Aminsica, and uphold her words to exercise true judgement in favor of her faithful?"
"I, Samuel of House Ross, son of Oswald of House Ross, swear to uphold to the utmost of my power to maintain the Holy Laws of Mother Aminsica, and uphold her words to exercise true judgement in favor of her faithful." Samuel continues, as the Priest looks at him with a smile.
"Then Rise, Duke Samuel Ross, rightful Protector of Tidewater." The Priest places a Iron Crown, a sign of a Duke with a sapphire placed in the middle of it surrounded by a ring of gold."We, Priests of Meerhafen, have heard and witnessed, let Mother Aminsica hear of our judgement, and she shall pave the road for you."
As Samuel Rises, he turns to the face the crowd, he dons a smile, thinking to himself.
The Quality of this world is by far too poor, even when arriving, the food itself was flavorless compared to the Modern World, the Parchments provided were too bad. He already had a few ideas circulating, however he needed to be done with the Coronation."To the People of Tidewater, Hear me!" He begun.
"The Things I have here promised, I shall perform and keep. My father, Oswald the Compassionate, swore the same and performed, till Aminsica took him back to her care. Hear me! Within the power vested to me, Tidewater will prosper under my care. However, I alone cannot do such thing! I remain weak, for that I ask that you all! The Bulwark of my rule, to aid me, any man who knows to read, he has a place to work in my realm, any swordsman, he will work."
The People, listening to his speech, stood listening, while the few who had these qualities hesitated, drawn by the promises.
"For those who possess no such qualities, fret not! You have your qualities, and I shall provide jobs to those who desire. The Realm will require your aid, I ask that you aid me. Thank you all, and I shall wait on you all." As he ended his speech, he turned to the Priest. But before he could speak, a shout was heard.
"Long live the Duke!" As the shout was heard, the crowd roared.
'They Praise my Father. He was known as the Compassionate not without reason.' Samuel thought to himself, looking at the Priest once again, before speaking. "High Priest Servic, I thank you for spearheading the event."
"It is my honor to aid you, my Lord."
"I must excuse myself then, the realm waits, and I am afraid time is of the essence." Samuel Ross says, before looking at his guard with a nod."Ser Roger, let us depart."
"As you wish my lord." The towering guard said, his chainmail gleaming as the Dark blue color was worn over it. His armor, alongside the Duke's Guard was compromised of Vambrace guards on the arms, Chainmail covering the body, a Barbute Helmet adorned on his head.
As they left the Church, the Carriage was awaiting them. Around 20 Ducal Guards stood on horses, awaiting their departure.
The Duke, standing infront of the carriage stood as a Servant opened the door, leading the Duke inside. His personal guard, Roger, quickly rode on top of a Horse prepared for him, riding close to the Carriage, while a white banner with a blue Shield, covered with several small white stars lined up on each other, the Sigil of House Ross, was held up for all to see.
The Ride was quiet, save for the numerous Bystanders cheering their new lord's name. The Promise of jobs seem to have given them hope, Samuel thought.
As they reached the Ironoak Keep, which had 14 Meters tall Stone walls for it's defense and a 34 meters tall tower with the gate under it, leading to a huge Courtyard with several buildings for storage, residency, and barracks. It was a Fortress, built to withstand sieges.
Built in the Mundian Dynasty as a testament to the Dynasty's Wealth, the Ironoak Keep was a fortress with it's Lords known to be appointed to deter Pirates from disrupting trade. The Keep however, has fallen on sad days. It's days of garrisoning forces for the purposes of destroying Piracy was long gone, placed now in a state of disrepair Despite Oswald's Attempts to rebuild it to it's former glory.
As the Carriage stopped infront of the Keep, the Duke adjusted his robe, a Blue Cloak covering his shoulder left shoulder as the carriage door opened, letting the Duke out, before Roger came to his side, followed by three more guards. The Feast was to begin.
With the guards already waiting, they opened the 4 meter tall doors, which revealed a Old man wearing green garments. Bowing his head, he called out to the Duke."My Lord the Duke." He said.
"Lord Vartin, I trust the guests have been seated inside?" Samuel asked, moving without stop as the lord moved alongside him.
"They are all seated my Lord, already awaiting your appearance before them. They wish to see the Duke." The old Lord said.
"You moved fast, so it seems? And the Guard?"
"Stationed as you ordered so. No unfortunate events shall transpire under our careful eye." The old Lord said.
As they reached the gate, Samuel stopped, looking at Vartin with a smile."Truly you are efficient as a Steward, Lord Vartin, thank you."
"It is our job to serve the Ducal Family, my lord. It is only our obligation." The Steward said, bowing his head as he kept his professionalism."Shall we my lord?"
"Announce my arrival." Samuel Answered, looking at the door, preparing his entrance.
The Guard inside, notified of their arrival, quickly spoke."Announcing the arrival of Duke Samuel Ross, Second of his name and Rightful Ruler of the Realm!"
All eyes of the nobles turned to the door, nobles and dignitaries alike.
The Rightful Duke of Tidewater has made his appearance, followed by his steward and Guard, his Iron Crown shining through.
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This is the First Chapter of my book, Heirs of Broken Horizons, I hope you enjoy this story, and make sure to support me, as I try to set a High quality for the story.
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